10 July 2013

Adam Gemili (coach: Michael Afilaka) speaks about his confidence aiming for European Under 23 gold in Tampere, Finland, this week. The 19 year old will compete in the 100m, 200m and 4x100m relay but is confident that he can perform well in all three events.

Speaking at the European Athletics press conference ahead of the championships, Gemili said:

“I feel I’m fit enough to be able to take part in all of the events and hopefully I can go out there and execute well. I’ve not done too badly already this season so I’ve just got to see how I feel, go out there and execute, if I do that I’ll be happy win or lose.”

Gemili ran a championship record of 20.30 in the 200m at the England Athletics Under 23 Championships in Bedford last month and followed it up with a time of 10.19 for 100m in Ostrava, performances which suggest he is well placed to perform well in Tampere.

“I ran a season’s best in Ostrava which was a great race. I think I’m in great shape coming into these championships and I’m just looking to compete and see how I can do.

“It should be a great stepping stone and great preparation for hopefully being on the GB & NI team for Moscow and doing well there as well.”

After competing in his first Olympic Games aged just 18 in London last year, Gemili now feels better placed after his Olympic experience and a full winter of training behind him.

“The Olympic Games was the biggest learning experience I could have, as any athlete will tell you. For me it was a home Olympics as well so it was that bit more special.

“In 2012 I only started training properly in January but this year I’ve had a full winter’s training and have learned the sport a bit better, learned how to execute my race better and make myself more knowledgeable.”

GB & NI have a team of 38 athletes competing at the European Under 23 Championships in Tampere on 11-14 July. Other British medal hopes will come from London 2012 Olympian Katarina Johnson-Thompson (Mike Holmes), who will compete in the heptathlon, and British record holder for the hammer Sophie Hitchon (Tore Gustafsson).

Jodie Williams (Stanley Madiri) will also compete in the 100m, 200m and 4x100m relay with good medal chances in all three, while reigning champion Jack Green (Malcolm Arnold) will look to defend the 400m hurdles title he won in Ostrava two years ago.

A full timetable is available here.